Description
Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque brings coastal comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich, velvety flavors. Delicate seafood mingles with aromatic herbs, promising a luxurious dining experience that satisfies coastal cuisine cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 lb (454 g) crab meat (fresh or imitation)
- 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Aromatic and Thickening Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 ml) seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry sherry (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Create a flavor base by melting butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, then gently sweat the onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their sweet essence.
- Transform the butter mixture into a thickening agent by sprinkling flour and stirring vigorously, allowing the roux to develop a golden hue and eliminate any raw flour undertones.
- Gradually introduce seafood stock, whisking continuously to ensure a silky smooth texture without any unwelcome lumps, creating a luxurious foundation for the bisque.
- Enhance the liquid with a symphony of spices – Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper – letting them dance and intermingle during a gentle 10-minute simmer.
- Delicately fold in the succulent crab meat and tender shrimp, allowing them to bathe in the creamy base while absorbing the complex flavor profile.
- Stream in heavy cream and a splash of dry sherry, creating a rich and velvety consistency that embraces the seafood with decadent warmth.
- Taste and calibrate the seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance of spices and maritime essence.
- Present the bisque in elegant bowls, adorned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and accompanied by bright lemon wedges to cut through the richness.
Notes
- Pick fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture in your bisque.
- Dice onions and garlic uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent taste throughout the dish.
- Control the heat while making the roux to prevent burning and maintain a smooth base for the bisque.
- Use homemade seafood stock if possible for an extra layer of rich, authentic seafood flavor.
- Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for a lactose-free version of the bisque.
- Add a splash of white wine instead of sherry for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid tough, rubbery texture in the final dish.
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for an additional fresh, aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg